Gulfstream was in an upbeat mood yesterday as it presented its plans for Asia-Pacific.

Having sold 16 aircraft across the region, the company is now placing more staff locally. The in-service fleet has doubled to 44 in Asia since 2000, including 10 special-mission aircraft, with another 12 corporate aircraft awaiting delivery.

These 12 new business jets include the region’s first large-cabin, long-range G450 and a G200, which will operate in China. Other sales include four-pre-owned aircraft – two GIV-SPs, one GV and one G200. Hong Kong start-up Business Aviation Asia has been hired to manage one of the G200s and the G450.

Gulfstream says China will be a good market for its aircraft and is showing a lot of interest. “We’ve spent a decade cultivating business alliances in Asia and, based on recent sales activity in the region, it is obviously starting to pay dividends,” says Bryan Moss, president.

Gulfstream is also expanding its parts dépôts in Hong Kong and Shanghai with an additional $4 million and $2.5 million worth of parts, respectively. “The increase in the number of Gulfstream aircraft based in the region, combined with the growing interest in and demand for our aircraft throughout the Asia-Pacific, indicated that this was the right time to supplement our in-region capabilities,” says Gulfstream president of product support Larry Flynn.

Source: Flight Daily News